Abstract: Knurled surfaces such as raised ribs are provided on the shell of a soft gelatin capsule in order to enhance gripping and manipulation of the capsule. The capsule has a removable tab at one end thereof which may also be provided with a knurled surface. One embodiment of the invention is a capsule used for delivery of medicaments to an external body surface. An alternative embodiment of the capsule is disclosed for insertion into a body orifice. The composition of the capsule includes a starch or starch derivative which gives the capsule a drier feel and increases the coefficient of friction of the surface of the shell, further improving the capsule's handling characteristics.

Abstract: An injection mold typically defines multiple cavities. A mold gate is provided which comprises a rotary spherical member having a sprue conduit extending transversely therethrough. Highly accurate sequential molding of multiple cavities can be achieved in this manner, as well as other advantages. Also, this arrangement permits a linear, straight sprue conduit which is free of any sharp turns.

Abstract: A battery case accommodating a battery is inserted into a battery case housing of a head lamp body. As the battery case is inserted, one protrusion of a stopper held by a stopper holding portion of the housing moves downward through an opening. When accommodation of the battery case is completed, another protrusion of the stopper as well as the one protrusion returns upward, and the former protrusion is fitted in a recess of the battery case to prevent movement of the battery case. When the head lamp body is attached to a bracket fixed on a bicycle in that state, a protrusion of the bracket prevents movement of the one protrusion of the stopper.

Abstract: An anesthesia instrument consists of a single lumen epidural cannula with a Touhy-type beveled aperture, an epidural catheter and a spinal cannula. The anesthesia instrument is characterized in that, the diameter or the cross-section of the epidural cannula is so dimensioned that, even with the epidural catheter positioned within the same, there is still sufficient space for the sliding through of a spinal cannula. In one form of the invention, marking means are provided to indicate at the proximal end of the epidural cannula, the position of the tip of the spinal cannula being inserted in the epidural cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of mounting a power semiconductor (10) to an external heat sink (18) when both fastening faces (11, 13) of the semiconductor are inaccessible during the assembly process. The apparatus comprises a nut plate (20) that mates with the semiconductor (10) and a thermally conductive layer (28) that engages the nut plate (20) and wraps around the semiconductor (10) in a captive manner. The external heat sink (18) threadably engages the nut plate (20) without the need to access either fastening face (11, 13) of the semiconductor (10).

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable solutions of acidic, basic or amphoteric pharmaceutical agents are disclosed. These solutions are suitable for encapsulation in gelatin capsules for subsequent oral administration and include the pharmaceutical agent, an ion species and a solvent system.

Abstract: An integrally formed conveyor belt cleaning head (10) formed of a resilient material includes a substantially transversely extending cleaning tip portion (11). At least two integrally formed and substantially parallel, integrally spaced apart elongate arms (12) extend outwardly therefrom, substantially perpendicular to the transverse cleaning tip portion (11). The arms (12) extend into a substantially transverse base portion (14) which is adapted to engage with and/or be mounted to resilient mounting pad (18). Elongate reinforcing shoulders (19) extend at least partway along each of the arms (12).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette for storing a plurality of disk-like data carriers with two telescopically insertable, essentially closed, flat housing sections, open in the direction of insertion. The external housing section has attached to one side wall a prod formed as a rib with a stepped edge which projects into the interior of this housing. The steps rise from the bottom of the external housing section towards the open top. The internal housing section which holds the disks has an open top and a slot cut in one side wall and the bottom to receive the rib when the internal housing is nested in the external housing section. The steps on the rib serve to raise successive disks in the interior housing. To close the internal housing, the external housing is inverted and then telescoped with the external housing. The internal housing section, on the side opposite the slot, has a recess open towards the top of the internal housing section 1 which receives the rib in closed position.

Abstract: A tambour door for a cabinet having a series of hinged, vertical panel members which are precluded from moving vertically one with respect to the other by a plug which coacts with slots defined in the hinge elements connecting the adjacent tambour elongated panel members.

Abstract: A system for preventing entanglement of a wheeled tractor with wire or other wrappings, the system having at least one cutter assembly mounted to the frame of the tractor and designed to shear wire or other materials that can lodge between the axles and wheels of the tractor. The system can have two different cutter assemblies, one as described and one that moves in a scissor-like motion in synchronization with the undulating motion of the tractor's rear axle.

Abstract: A broadcast recording and playback device employing a "circular buffer" which constantly records one or more incoming audio or video program signals and a microprocessor for accessing the memory to read a playback signal from the circular buffer to display programming material delayed from its receipt by a selectable delay interval. The circular buffer is implemented by a digital memory. Subsystem comprising the combination of a semiconductor RAM memory and a disk memory operated under the control of a microprocessor such that incoming signals are constantly recorded as received while, at the same time, delayed signals are being read from the memory subsystem at a different memory location selected by a microprocessor to provide a user-selected time delay.

Abstract: A coin dispenser adapted for use with an electronic cash register or point-of-sale terminal which includes a key sensor for accepting a coded identification key which identifies a particular sales clerk and which maintains a record of the number of coins dispensed during that clerk's job shift. At the end of an appropriate accounting period, the stored information may be transferred to a host computer, either by a conventional data channel through a connected point-of-sale terminal, or by using a "manager's key" which serves as a data carrier between the dispenser and the host computer. The accounting functions in the automated dispenser provide the data needed to successfully employ "cash drawer accounting" procedures preferred by many retailers.

Abstract: Techniques for assuring the accuracy of the welding of a part including a part calibration cycle, a tap check cycle and a gap detection cycle. The part calibration cycle determines the electrical load presented by the part to the welder transformer. The tap check cycle verifies that the operator has set the correct tap on the primary of the welder transformer, The gap detection cycle finds the actual spacing between the platen when the ends of the part are substantially touching so that the ends of the part can be accurately spaced at the beginning of the weld cycle.

Abstract: A method of site-directed alteration (removal or removal followed by replacement) of selected nucleotides in an RNA molecule, as well as to mixed phosphate backbone oligonucleotides useful in the method. It further relates to a method of producing polypeptides or proteins encoded by the RNA molecule altered by the present method. Through use of the present method, site-directed cleavage of an RNA molecule is effected, followed by excision of the selected or target segment of the RNA molecule.

Abstract: This invention is a device for microvascular injection and a method for treating glaucoma using the device. The device comprises a reservoir attached to a blunted needle connected to a flexible tapered tubing, at the end of which is positioned a microneedle or micropipette for inserting into small blood vessels. The invention also provides a method for treating glaucoma and other diseases wherein microinjection of disease-ameliorating drugs into small blood vessels and their capillary beds would be therapeutically effective.

Abstract: A screed rail assembly for use in the construction of concrete slabs includes an elongated rail having a plurality of locking members that extend outward from the sides of the rail. The locking members provide a positive mechanical connection between the concrete slab and the screed rail, preventing structural damage due to external forces exerted against the slab. An elongated protective strip extends along the top surface of the elongated rail, further protecting the junction between the slab and the rail from damage due to external forces.